Bernau / Rank

Bernau / Rank launches from 1,140 m in Germany, flyable in southeast, south, southwest and west wind, with the Goldbach landing field as the designated landing zone. Flying here requires a briefing first, either from the local flight school or from a club member — this isn't a walk-up-and-fly site. There's also a day-use fee of about 3 €. Watch for cattle: never launch while cows are in the launch area, and coordinate with any model-aircraft flyers sharing the hill. Reach launch by car to a parking area halfway up toward the Krunkelbachhütte, with the launch itself just below the road — note that temporary driving restrictions do apply here at times. Landing is restricted to the Goldbach meadow specifically, and never right before haymaking; if the grass has already been cut nearby, using an already-mown patch is the better choice. From May through September, farmers in the valley are understandably protective of their hay meadows, and pilots landing carelessly risk triggering a blanket flying ban — check current status before you fly.

Launch & conditions

Never launch while cows are in the launch area, and coordinate with model-aircraft flyers on the hill. Temporary driving restrictions can apply on the access road.

Getting there & local rules

By car to the parking area halfway toward the Krunkelbachhütte; launch is just below the road.

Local rules & hazards

Flying requires a prior briefing from the local flight school or a club member, and there's a day-use fee of about 3 €. Never launch while cows are in the launch area, and coordinate with model-aircraft flyers sharing the hill. Landing is restricted to the Goldbach meadow and must be avoided right before haymaking — prefer an already-mown patch if one is available. From May through September the valley's farmers are protective of their hay meadows, and careless landings risk triggering a general flying ban, so check current status before flying.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bernau / Rank, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Bernau / Rank with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.